2011 Mar 18 Art attack: China overtakes UK + This weekend
According to the BBC, China has passed up the UK to become the world's second-largest art market, at 23% of the global share (the UK has 22%). It has a ways to go before chasing down the US, which still stands at number one with 37% market share. This is great news: it means more Chinese people than ever are spending loads of money on stuff they don't need! (Though I guess this isn't actually news.)
Now, if only we can get China to overtake the UK in cheese production...
Moving on, here's what's on this weekend:
"China Dream" at Red Gate Gallery:
Perhaps the UK's recent upset in the art market world can be attributed to its own countrymen, people like Chris Gill who now call China home. His joint exhibit with Xue Song and Pu Jie kicks off this Saturday, as part of the ramp-up to Red Gate's 20th anniversary celebration this July.
TimeOut's Stacey Duff interviews Chris Gill here.
Playwriting Workshop:
The Beijing Innovative Theatre Experience begins its Playwright's Toolbox workshop this Saturday at The Hutong. Tackle character development, breaking through writer's block and overall structure. Sessions run from 11am-2pm and cost RMB 80 each (the workshop will last 8 weeks). Register by emailing Anna at beijingtheatre@gmail.com.
Irish music:
Tonight (Mar 18), get in on the St. Paddy's spirit with Celtic singer and harpist Katie Targett-Adams, the Ireland Seeley Band, and Irish dancers! Gotta love those Irish dancers. RMB 30-380. 7.30pm. Forbidden City Concert Hall.
More music (non-Irish):
Yishu 8 hosts the 1st international chamber festival with the E-Mex ensemble. Saturday night (Mar 19), they present a free recital, "Modern Works by Chinese, European and American Composers," at the Beijing Central Conservatory of Music Recital Hall. 7.30pm.
Also, Penguin China is giving away more books! Look for a post later today for more info.
And on Tuesday, the World of Chinese magazine is showing Mambo Girl - Hong Kong's first rock 'n roll movie! - at Jianghu Liveshow Bar. Free. 7pm.
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Nice work, Uncle Hu. Now that you’re officially focused on building soft power, we’re busier than ever trying to cover everything that’s going on, from stage productions to films and animation to art market issues and of course the ever-developing art exhibits our galleries have to offer. The weather’s cooling down but culturally, things in this city are definitely heating up.
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Hi there. Long time no talk. Between October holiday and a personal trip to Taiwan, it’s been awhile since I threw a long list of cultural activities to you hungry, sophisticated wolves. Well, I’m back.
This week, if you’re looking for a good show, you’ve got quite a few options. Peking opera, Italian opera or Shakespeare? There are also several art exhibits that are closing up shop, so this weekend’s a good opportunity to catch them – before going out to cavernous galleries requires the putting on of several layers of puffy apparel.
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The NBA lockout has been of extreme interest to CBA fans as it means that the Chinese league may see an influx of stars. Shanxi Fenjiu announced that they had a deal in place with Kobe Bryant, which caused yet more frenzy and speculation. That has been put to an end now as the CBA has taken the very sensible decision that players cannot have an opt-out clause to return to the NBA, and that only free agents who are willing to commit to at least a year will be eligible to sign on. The bad news? No Kobe. The good news? Yes to Tracy McGrady, Mike Bibby, Tyson Chandler and 121 other players. The CBA might resemble NBA Jam a little more next year.
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